Snakes of the World

Pythons, boas, vipers, and a world more. In beautifully colorful fashion, find out about the fascinating universe of snakes. A vividly illustrated introduction to these reptiles goes up close and personal, and covers everything from origins and evolution to physical characteristics and habitat, from methods of reproduction to styles of hunting. Poisons, the meaning of their colors, and even snakes' representation in myth and legend, is here. The detailed discussions cover how and what snakes eat, which species are endangered, and defensive behaviors--including shows and bluffs to impress their enemies, the postures of poisonous snakes (and their harmless imitators), and even the game of playing dead to throw predators off. The showcase is a dictionary of species, broken up by family and subfamily; thrilling photos bring you right up to each snake's face and textured skin, drawings add additional detail, and maps show distribution patterns throughout the world.